13 weather phobias that frighten millions every year

Halloween is synonymous with haunted houses and scary scenes of horror movies, but some of the most common fears can happen any time of the year, not just in October.

Weather-related fears are among the most common phobias, affecting up to 12% of people, according to a study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society. "Storm phobia alone [occurs] in 2%-3% of the general population," the study stated.

Russ Lewis covers his eyes from a gust of wind and a blast of sand as Hurricane Florence approaches Myrtle Beach, S.C., Friday, Sept. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

It is no surprise that thunderstorms and tornadoes are among the most frightening weather events. However, several phenomena that some people enjoy can trigger anxiety or a sense of dread in others.

From fog to flooding, here are 13 of the most common weather phobias:

Anablephobia: Fear of looking at the sky

Nephobphobia: Fear of rain or clouds

Astraphobia: Fear of thunder and lightning

Chionophobia: Fear of snow

Lilapsophobia: Fear of tornadoes or hurricanes

Heliophobia: Fear of the sun

Iridophobia: Fear of rainbows

Ancraophobia: Fear of wind

Homichlophobia: Fear of fog

Thermophobia: Fear of heat

Cryophobia: Fear of cold weather

Antlophobia: Fear of flooding

Kalimeraphobia: Fear of climate change

Experts say exposure therapy may help some people gradually become more comfortable around whatever causes fear. For example, under the direction of your healthcare provider, you might listen to recordings of thunder or look at pictures of thunderstorms. Eventually, practice could help you stay calm during a real-life storm.

A Jack-O-Lantern in Mount Lebanon, Pa., is covered with a coat of snow Wednesday, Nov. 12, 1997. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)